With numerous challenges over the past several years for producers, we at Mercer Landmark understand the need for a comprehensive risk management solution. We seek to provide our customers with unparalleled service to ensure maximum results.

In an earlier blog, I wrote about Septoria Brown Spot and the effect it has on soybean yields. I also wrote about a way to minimize the disease using a double application of fungicide.

I have already shared in my previous blog the results of two trials last year in Van Wert and Ashland County which was a staggering 18 bushel per acre increase. Now I am going to share with everyone the progress of a field trial we have in Mercer Landmark’s backyard – Celina, Ohio.

Last week I made a visit to the trial where we split a field into three sections. The first section had two passes using Stratego YLD® fungicide and a Max-IN® foliar. The first pass was applied at the early V3 timing (the approximate time when Septoria Brown Spot develops) and the second pass was applied at the regular R3 timing. Section two had a single shot of Stratego YLD® and Max-IN® at the early V3 timing. Section three was untreated. The difference between each section was amazing.

The untreated section lacked fullness, had lost a majority of its lower leaves, and pod formation didn’t start until 9 to 10 inches up the stem. The one pass had more pods per node and formation started lower on the stem. What impressed me most though, was the two-pass system.

For my sample, I selected four soybean plants (all right next to each other) in the untreated and four plants in the double applied soybeans. I then counted the total number of pods on each section. Here’s what I came up with:

Untreated: 86 pods total (21.5 pods per plant)

Double Treated: 171 pods total (42.75 pods per plant)

After counting the pods, all I could say was wow! I definitely feel comfortable saying that this grower’s payout will outweigh the investment, and outweigh it by a lot!

After harvesting, I have a feeling the grower will be saying – cha-ching! Stay tuned for the post-harvest results.

Talk with your local Mercer Landmark rep today on how to add a double fungicide application to your plan.